Rustomjee International beat Modern English in knockouts as Div III promotion is in sight

Rustomjee's Nikhil S (right) dribbles the ball as Modern English School's Pratham Patadia looks on during the U-16 Div IV match at Azad Maidan yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera

After missing out on a promotion to Div III by a whisker last year, courtesy a loss in the round of 16, Rustomjee International School (Dahisar) are well on their way to have another crack at it this time. The side won their Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) U-16 Div IV Pool 'W' match against Modern English School (Chembur) 3-0 at Azad Maidan yesterday.

Rustomjee's Nikhil S (right) dribbles the ball as Modern English School's Pratham Patadia looks on during the U-16 Div IV match at Azad Maidan yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera

After getting a walkover in the first match, Rustomjee have now qualified for the knockout phase. As quarter-finalists get promoted, Rustomjee captain Manav Doshi is confident that this side can climb a step higher. "I am confident that we can get promoted this time around. We have almost reached the knockouts and we played really well today," Manav told mid-day.

However, Rustomjee coach Viraj Sawant isn't as positive as Manav. He believes it would be touch and go this time. "I don't know if promotion is possible or not, but if not this year then for sure next year we will get into Division III as we have really good U-14 players who would play U-16 next year," Sawant said.

Rustomjee dominated the game throughout and looked a class above their opponents. Kirtan Sanghvi drew first blood in the seventh minute with a neat finish. Smeet Shah doubled the lead in the 20th minute with a brilliant solo effort. In the 35th minute, Om Ved made it three for his side when he side-footed a corner into the back of the net.
Despite the commanding performance, Sawant wanted a bit more from his side. "I am happy we won but I thought we could have played a lot better," he added.